System for nostalgic content links and playback

ABSTRACT

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a method that includes determining, by a processing system including a processor, that a viewer is viewing primary content for a first time; capturing, by the processing system, an emotive response of the viewer as the primary content is viewed during the first time; determining that the viewer is viewing the primary content at a subsequent time, wherein the subsequent time is later than the first time; detecting the emotive response of the viewer as the primary content is viewed during the subsequent time; retrieving external media responsive to detecting the emotive response; and displaying the external media. Other embodiments are disclosed.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The subject disclosure relates to a system for nostalgic content linksand playback.

BACKGROUND

Often people will express recollections of what was happening the lasttime they watched something. For example, a viewer watching a movie as achild can evoke an emotional and memory response when watching the samemovie again as an adult.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are notnecessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary, non-limitingembodiment of a communications network in accordance with variousaspects described herein.

FIG. 2A is a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limitingembodiment of a nostalgic content discovery and playback systemfunctioning within the communication network of FIG. 1 in accordancewith various aspects described herein.

FIG. 2B depicts an illustrative embodiment of methods in accordance withvarious aspects described herein.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limitingembodiment of a virtualized communication network in accordance withvarious aspects described herein.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an example, non-limiting embodiment of acomputing environment in accordance with various aspects describedherein.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an example, non-limiting embodiment of amobile network platform in accordance with various aspects describedherein.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an example, non-limiting embodiment of acommunication device in accordance with various aspects describedherein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The subject disclosure describes, among other things, illustrativeembodiments for nostalgic playback of recorded media after a firstviewing. Other embodiments are described in the subject disclosure.

One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include a device,including: a processing system including a processor; and a memory thatstores executable instructions that, when executed by the processingsystem, facilitate performance of operations including determining thata viewer is viewing primary content for a first time; recording acondition of a local environment where the viewer is viewing the primarycontent; determining that the viewer is viewing the primary content at asubsequent time, wherein the subsequent time is later than the firsttime; identifying local content that was recorded by the viewer aboutthe first time; and displaying the local content while the viewer isviewing the primary content at the subsequent time.

One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include a machine-readablemedium that includes executable instructions that, when executed by aprocessing system including a processor, facilitate performance ofoperations, such as determining that a viewer is viewing primary contentfor a first time; collecting data on a local environment responsive todetermining that the viewer is viewing the primary content for the firsttime; determining that the viewer is viewing the primary content at asubsequent time, wherein the subsequent time is later than the firsttime; and using the data to match the local environment while the vieweris viewing the primary content at the subsequent time.

One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include a method thatincludes determining, by a processing system including a processor, thata viewer is viewing primary content for a first time; capturing, by theprocessing system, an emotive response of the viewer as the primarycontent is viewed during the first time; determining that the viewer isviewing the primary content at a subsequent time, wherein the subsequenttime is later than the first time; detecting the emotive response of theviewer as the primary content is viewed during the subsequent time;retrieving external media responsive to detecting the emotive response;and displaying the external media.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a block diagram is shown illustrating anexample, non-limiting embodiment of a system 100 in accordance withvarious aspects described herein. For example, system 100 can facilitatein whole or in part a capture system, a playback system, a contentadaptation and search system, and a modeler, as described in more detailbelow. In particular, a communications network 125 is presented forproviding broadband access 110 to a plurality of data terminals 114 viaaccess terminal 112, wireless access 120 to a plurality of mobiledevices 124 and vehicle 126 via base station or access point 122, voiceaccess 130 to a plurality of telephony devices 134, via switching device132 and/or media access 140 to a plurality of audio/video displaydevices 144 via media terminal 142. In addition, communication network125 is coupled to one or more content sources 175 of audio, video,graphics, text and/or other media. While broadband access 110, wirelessaccess 120, voice access 130 and media access 140 are shown separately,one or more of these forms of access can be combined to provide multipleaccess services to a single client device (e.g., mobile devices 124 canreceive media content via media terminal 142, data terminal 114 can beprovided voice access via switching device 132, and so on).

The communications network 125 includes a plurality of network elements(NE) 150, 152, 154, 156, etc. for facilitating the broadband access 110,wireless access 120, voice access 130, media access 140 and/or thedistribution of content from content sources 175. The communicationsnetwork 125 can include a circuit switched or packet switched network, avoice over Internet protocol (VoIP) network, Internet protocol (IP)network, a cable network, a passive or active optical network, a 4G, 5G,or higher generation wireless access network, WIMAX network,UltraWideband network, personal area network or other wireless accessnetwork, a broadcast satellite network and/or other communicationsnetwork.

In various embodiments, the access terminal 112 can include a digitalsubscriber line access multiplexer (DSLAM), cable modem terminationsystem (CMTS), optical line terminal (OLT) and/or other access terminal.The data terminals 114 can include personal computers, laptop computers,netbook computers, tablets or other computing devices along with digitalsubscriber line (DSL) modems, data over coax service interfacespecification (DOCSIS) modems or other cable modems, a wireless modemsuch as a 4G, 5G, or higher generation modem, an optical modem and/orother access devices.

In various embodiments, the base station or access point 122 can includea 4G, 5G, or higher generation base station, an access point thatoperates via an 802.11 standard such as 802.11n, 802.11ac or otherwireless access terminal. The mobile devices 124 can include mobilephones, e-readers, tablets, phablets, wireless modems, and/or othermobile computing devices.

In various embodiments, the switching device 132 can include a privatebranch exchange or central office switch, a media services gateway, VoIPgateway or other gateway device and/or other switching device. Thetelephony devices 134 can include traditional telephones (with orwithout a terminal adapter), VoIP telephones and/or other telephonydevices.

In various embodiments, the media terminal 142 can include a cablehead-end or other TV head-end, a satellite receiver, gateway or othermedia terminal 142. The display devices 144 can include televisions withor without a set top box, personal computers and/or other displaydevices.

In various embodiments, the content sources 175 include broadcasttelevision and radio sources, video on demand platforms and streamingvideo and audio services platforms, one or more content data networks,data servers, web servers and other content servers, and/or othersources of media.

In various embodiments, the communications network 125 can includewired, optical and/or wireless links and the network elements 150, 152,154, 156, etc. can include service switching points, signal transferpoints, service control points, network gateways, media distributionhubs, servers, firewalls, routers, edge devices, switches and othernetwork nodes for routing and controlling communications traffic overwired, optical and wireless links as part of the Internet and otherpublic networks as well as one or more private networks, for managingsubscriber access, for billing and network management and for supportingother network functions.

FIG. 2A is a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limitingembodiment of a nostalgic content discovery and playback systemfunctioning within the communication network of FIG. 1 in accordancewith various aspects described herein. System 200 is designed to helpevoke similar feelings experienced during an original viewing of primarycontent. Often this feeling of euphoria enhances the experience of theprimary content. However, current experiences (e.g. watching a movie)may be shallow. The shallowness can be enhanced with additional secondscreen or environmental changes (like audio or imagery from the relatedera of the primary content). A more direct approach of recording one'sown vocalizations, visual appearances, or reactions with others (throughsocial media or in-person interactions) may also utilized to recreatethe experience at a later time but with near-perfect replication of theinitial experience viewing the primary content.

As illustrated in FIG. 2A, system 200 comprises a capture system 210, aplayback system 220, a content adaptation and search system 230, and amodeler 240. Capture system 210 comprises components for identifyingprimary content provided to an audience, such as a set top box 211 and adisplay 212, and one or more sensors that provide data on theenvironment in which the primary content is being experienced, as wellas emotive responses of the viewer while viewing the primary content.Such data may be generated by a wide variety of sensors, including acamera 213 and a microphone 214, a motion detector 215, a light sensor216, a thermometer 217, a location sensor 218, biometric sensors, or thelike. Playback system 220 comprises a computing system 221, contentpresentation components, such as set top box 211 and display 212,environmental controllers, such as a thermostat or lighting controls,and sensors for triggering events, such as camera 213, microphone 214,motion detector 215, location sensor 218, biometric sensors, or thelike, and a storage device 222. Content discovery and search system 230comprises a computing system that interfaces with the playback system220. Modeler 240 comprises a computing system that interfaces with theplayback system 220 and the capture system 210. One or more portions ofcapture system 210, and the playback system 220, content discovery andsearch system 230, and modeler 240 may be virtualized network functions,as depicted in FIG. 2A and explained in more detail below in connectionwith FIG. 3.

Capture system 210 is engaged during a viewer's first experience withthe media content. Capture system 210 monitors the viewer environment(e.g., time, location, etc.) and viewer emotive responses while viewingthe primary content. Capture system 210 records environment sensors,smart-home and other ubiquitous signals to determine environmentconditions (weather, ambient lighting, etc.). Capture system 210analyzes the primary content for on-screen moments (i.e., emotionalmetrics, scene segments, etc.). In an embodiment, capture system 210identifies and catalogs content from the viewer's personal environment(video, audio, etc.) including social media, as well as contentillustrating historical events occurring when the content is beingviewed. Capture system 210 may comprise sensors for detecting facialexpressions, movement, biometrics, etc. to discern the emotions of theviewer. Such sensors may comprise a camera and image processing withincapture system 210, or other direct and indirect biometric techniques.In an embodiment, capture system 210 may record personal video and audiosoundtracks that can be directly played back in the future, or trainmodels for style-transfer (as target) of new content, or content/contextfor simulation of new unrecorded events, such as laughing, clapping,excited utterances, etc.

Playback system 220 is engaged to enhance the viewer's subsequentexperience when reviewing the same primary content previously viewed.The viewer does not have to actively engage playback system 220.Playback system 220 will passively create and discover supplementalcontent to enhance the viewer's experience in the background. Suchsupplemental content may include social media, personal media, orgeneral, contemporary media. In an embodiment, playback system 220locates time-relevant (from when the viewer first experienced theprimary content) supplemental content to be used as background materialto enhance the viewer's experience, e.g., displaying pictures stored ina photo library that were taken contemporaneously with the firstexperience viewing the primary content. In addition, playback system 220may generate additional supplemental content, or correlate b-rollcontent, as well as advertising inventory contemporary with the viewer'sfirst experience with the media content. For example, period-correctadvertisement can be provided during the presentation of the primarycontent.

In an embodiment, playback system 220 will engage a device orenvironment sensors to recreate, adjust or simulate the environmentaltemperature, ambient lighting or other conditions experienced by theviewer during the viewer's first experience. Playback system 220 maysuggest different viewer experiences on proximal environment controldevices.

In an embodiment, playback system 220 may detect triggering events fromactive analysis of the content and the viewer. Such triggering event canbe recognized from emotion metrics, scene segments, etc. In anembodiment, a synchronous trigger can be generated for historical assets(e.g., a laugh track, previous historical sound, social media event,etc.). A biometric trigger is an observable change in a biometric signal(e.g., a smile on a face, increased pulse rate, increased pupildilation, faster breathing, voice pitch changes, gait, speed ofmovement, expression, pulse, etc.) that imply a change in user mood inan instantaneous fashion. All triggers can occur during an explicitrequest from user (e.g., a child's birthday party recording with bigsmile on his face) or from exposure to recommended content (showrecording on a second screen). In one embodiment, these triggers can bedetected as signals of an interesting event during original capture ofthe viewing experience. In another embodiment, these triggers can beutilized as indicators of successful nostalgic playback (e.g. a smileafter showing a historical photo) such that the system adapts itsbehavior based on the presence or absence of these triggers duringoperation. For example, if a biometric sensor detected that the viewerbegan laughing at a certain point during the first viewing, then a laughtrack could be triggered at the corresponding point in the subsequentviewing. Similarly, if the viewer's pulse increased at a certain point,the ambient lighting in the room could be dimmed or flickered to triggera similar response in the subsequent viewing. An explicit trigger, arecommendation request by a viewer, or a pause event, may switchplayback system 220 to content discovery. For example, supplementarycontent could be updated when the primary content is paused, based onthe primary content. In an embodiment, the supplementary content couldbe linked to current/updated advertisements (e.g., an old Coke Ad couldbe linked to updated version). Playback system 220 can exploit linksarchived by capture system 210 for comparison/exploration. In anembodiment, playback system 220 can adapt the style of the primarycontent to match the original presentation (i.e., lower resolution, lesssophisticated soundtrack, etc.).

In an embodiment, playback system 220 may create an immersive alternatereality experience. For example, playback system 220 can projectera-contextual supplemental content onto a wall or a second screen,enhance a virtual reality presentation (VR) or an augmented realitypresentation (AR—collectively, XR), or create audio and videogeneration. In one embodiment, the supplemental AR or XR content may bethe creation of an avatar (e.g. person- or character-like interactiveautomaton) that represents one or more characters from theera-contextual supplemental material or person representations that aremore intimately known by the user (e.g. a relative or a visualization ofchildhood version of oneself). In yet another embodiment, playbacksystem 220 may utilize content similarity measures, that may bepersonalized, to add supplemental content from different eras to evoke astronger emotional connection to primary content.

The content adaptation and search system 230 is triggered passively (forrecommendations) or explicitly (by keyword, search, highest affinity ingenre or content). Existing systems may be focused on content itselfinstead of viewer reactions and content exposure. Content adaptation andsearch system may adapt current content to a different time period.

Modeler 240 takes input from capture system 210 and playback system 220.Modeler 240 creates a potential profile for the viewer and content viaaggregation across emotion and viewership. Modeler 240 creates a modelfor creation and style transfers for these predicted regions. Modeler240 build models to infer emotive and engagement measures to helpplayback system 220 discover related content in the same era or genrethat evokes similar (favorable) responses. Modeler 240 can be uniquelyused to recommend engaging content to one individual, but at a differentage. Modeler 240 builds the model using emotive and engagement measures(either personal or content based), to explicitly detect when nostalgiccontent segments should be linked and associated. Modeler 240 expressescross-content (but similar era) affinity by aggregated viewership(enhanced recommender) across viewer or content trigger personalized setof content with strong emotive link.

FIG. 2B depicts an illustrative embodiment of methods in accordance withvarious aspects described herein. As shown in FIG. 2B, a capture method250 begins in step 251 where a viewer enables the nostalgic capturesystem. In an embodiment, the system may automatically enable when theviewer decides to watch new primary content that has not previously beenviewed. In step 252, a stored user profile is retrieved for the viewerand sent to the nostalgic capture system. The user profile storescontextual information on the viewer, such as their location, the timeof day, whether the viewer is binge watching a series or just startedwatching an episode, etc.

In step 253, the capture system periodically samples and records theconditions of the local environment. In addition, the capture systemrecords and emotive responses of the viewer to the primary content. Inan embodiment, the capture system may analyze the emotive responses ofthe viewer and merely record the sentiment detected, rather than the rawvideo of the emotive response.

In step 254 and step 255, the capture system records any personalinteractions the viewer has with social media and analyzes the viewsexpressed thereon for relevance to the primary content. In anembodiment, the capture system finding relevance may record thesentiment toward the primary content determined as a result of itsanalysis.

In step 256, the capture system stores the recordings taken duringpresentation of the primary content into a historical archive.

Later, playback method 260 begins with step 261 that enables thenostalgic playback system when the viewer decides to watch the primarycontent for a second or subsequent time. In an embodiment, the systemmay be automatically enabled when the viewer decides to watch theprimary content again.

In step 262, the playback system analyzes the local content. Forexample, the local content can come from things that were happening inthe local environment, such as voice assistant commands, relevant socialmedia links or articles, tone of voice, or even videos or photos takenby the viewer around the time that the primary video was originallywatched. For example, the date of the first viewing can act as a queryrestriction into a database of user media (such as an iCloud photo andvideo collection) and a predetermined time range such as one month priorto and one month after the viewing date can be used to define a subsetof the stored user media. This time window could be incrementallyincreased if there is less than a predetermined number of media items inthe subset. Filtering methods, such as selecting a single image from aset of images taken within a short time interval such as one hour, canbe used to define a smaller subset of user media that can be displayedduring the later viewing. In one embodiment, local content can betreated as context signals and a correlation strength between localcontents and primary media can be built. Those local contexts may beused to retrieve recording or trigger primary media based on theassociation strength. In another embodiment, a system may define alimited retrieval time period limited to last few months oryears—strictly locked to a calendar time period—configured by thesystem. In yet another embodiment, the viewer may be viewing videos orphotos that were recorded in the past, and the playback system analyzesthat local content and identifies certain primary media that the viewerwatched about the time that the videos and photos were recorded. In yetanother embodiment, time limits may be created around the occurrence ofspecific events, like every Thursday night that a particular sit-com wasaired on television. While the time limits themselves may be defined asa total of an hour (15 minutes before and after the show and 30 minutesduring the show), the specific timing of that event is based on theairing of the show, whether that was once a week, once a month, or atarbitrary times throughout the year. The playback system may offer theviewer to watch the primary media based on this analysis.

In step 263, the playback system retrieves external media, such asrelated advertisements, etc. The external media is used to enrich theplayback.

In step 264, the playback system engages sensors for triggers to lookfor an instance when the viewer had an emotive response during the firstviewing of the primary content.

In step 265, the content adaptation system adapts the local content tomatch the nostalgic period when the primary media was first viewed. Suchadaptations may include changing the color, the audio, etc., to make theprimary content closer to when the viewer first experienced the primarycontent.

In step 266 the playback system controls the local environment to nearlymatch the local environment when the primary content was first viewed.

In step 267, in an embodiment, the playback system optionally engages animmersive system, such as XR, to enhance the viewer's experience.

In step 268, the playback system optionally monitors for triggers, suchas an emotive response. Such trigger can be used to cue historical localcontent or to provide advertisements correlated with the specificemotional response.

Finally, modeling method 270 begins by updating the viewer profile withthe behavior and preferences of the viewer. For example, the playbacksystem will stop inserting laugh tracks if it determines that the vieweris no longer amused. In step 271 the modeler updates historical linksand style preferred by the viewer (e.g., one viewer prefers 80's punkwhile another prefers 80's rock).

While for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the respectiveprocesses are shown and described as a series of blocks in FIG. 2B, itis to be understood and appreciated that the claimed subject matter isnot limited by the order of the blocks, as some blocks may occur indifferent orders and/or concurrently with other blocks from what isdepicted and described herein. Moreover, not all illustrated blocks maybe required to implement the methods described herein.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a block diagram 300 is shown illustrating anexample, non-limiting embodiment of a virtualized communication networkin accordance with various aspects described herein. In particular avirtualized communication network is presented that can be used toimplement some or all of the subsystems and functions of system 100, thesubsystems and functions of system 200, and methods 250, 260 presentedin FIGS. 1, 2A, 2B and 3. For example, virtualized communication network300 can facilitate in whole or in part a capture and playback systemthat determines when a viewer is viewing primary content for a firsttime (e.g., whether the viewing is of a specific episode, or a rerunepisode, or an episode “cut” in a different way by editors ordirectors). Television technology commonly includes automatic contentrecognition (ACR), often based on audio fingerprinting, that generates alog of content identifiers for any content that is displayed. Suchcontent identifiers are used for audience ratings calculation whenaggregated with data from a large set of televisions. Apps on mobilephones can use similar methods to determine what song is playing. Thesemethods can generate a ‘life list’ of all content that a user hasviewed. As consumption moves from broadcast to streaming OTT or VoD, thelogging is simplified and ACR is not required because the service simplyrecords fact that a particular video program was delivered to a deviceon a particular day. In some cases, such as family viewing, theparticular user may not be identified, but this will become less of aproblem over time as media is consumed on personal devices.

Additionally, virtualized communication network 300 can facilitate inwhole or in part a capture and playback system that collects data on alocal environment responsive to determining that the viewer is viewingthe primary content for the first time, determines that the viewer isviewing the primary content at a subsequent time, and matches the localenvironment to the data while the viewer is viewing the primary contentat the subsequent time. Increasingly, systems from content providers andplayback systems utilize unique identifiers for both the entire piece ofcontent (e.g., season 4, episode 6 of “Flipping Tiny Homes”), but thesystem can also accommodate rewatching smaller segments (e.g.,short-form, snackable content) of a larger content source (e.g.full-length movies or films). In one embodiment, fingerprintingtechnology relying on audio-visual features can identify short-formsegments with unique features and determine the precise start and endtime of that short-form segment with respect to its placement in thefull-length original. Exploring viewing environments more, in oneembodiment, the communication network focuses on the current viewingsystem alone and captures all viewing details around these viewingsystems. For example, in a content provider network, it may be limitedto a streaming offering (manifesting in playback through an applicationor receiver) or linear delivery system. The system has logging recordsof all historical viewing events. In another embodiment, data captureoccurs only when the user authenticates their streaming client within aspecific context (e.g. logging in at home or at work).

In an embodiment, the very first viewing may not be recognized; however,the virtualized communication network 300 may consider the ‘firstrecognized’ viewing (which may in fact be the second viewing). Themethod applies to subsequent viewings. In an embodiment, even if thevirtualized communication network 300 recognizes all viewings, thesystem can account for additional accumulation of context (so not justthe first viewing, but the set of all prior viewings can be used toenhance the most-recent viewing.)

In particular, a cloud networking architecture is shown that leveragescloud technologies and supports rapid innovation and scalability via atransport layer 350, a virtualized network function cloud 325 and/or oneor more cloud computing environments 375. In various embodiments, thiscloud networking architecture is an open architecture that leveragesapplication programming interfaces (APIs); reduces complexity fromservices and operations; supports more nimble business models; andrapidly and seamlessly scales to meet evolving customer requirementsincluding traffic growth, diversity of traffic types, and diversity ofperformance and reliability expectations.

In contrast to traditional network elements—which are typicallyintegrated to perform a single function, the virtualized communicationnetwork employs virtual network elements (VNEs) 330, 332, 334, etc. thatperform some or all of the functions of network elements 150, 152, 154,156, etc. For example, the network architecture can provide a substrateof networking capability, often called Network Function VirtualizationInfrastructure (NFVI) or simply infrastructure that is capable of beingdirected with software and Software Defined Networking (SDN) protocolsto perform a broad variety of network functions and services. Thisinfrastructure can include several types of substrates. The most typicaltype of substrate being servers that support Network FunctionVirtualization (NFV), followed by packet forwarding capabilities basedon generic computing resources, with specialized network technologiesbrought to bear when general purpose processors or general purposeintegrated circuit devices offered by merchants (referred to herein asmerchant silicon) are not appropriate. In this case, communicationservices can be implemented as cloud-centric workloads.

As an example, a traditional network element 150 (shown in FIG. 1), suchas an edge router can be implemented via a VNE 330 composed of NFVsoftware modules, merchant silicon, and associated controllers. Thesoftware can be written so that increasing workload consumes incrementalresources from a common resource pool, and moreover so that it iselastic: so, the resources are only consumed when needed. In a similarfashion, other network elements such as other routers, switches, edgecaches, and middle boxes are instantiated from the common resource pool.Such sharing of infrastructure across a broad set of uses makes planningand growing infrastructure easier to manage.

In an embodiment, the transport layer 350 includes fiber, cable, wiredand/or wireless transport elements, network elements and interfaces toprovide broadband access 110, wireless access 120, voice access 130,media access 140 and/or access to content sources 175 for distributionof content to any or all of the access technologies. In particular, insome cases a network element needs to be positioned at a specific place,and this allows for less sharing of common infrastructure. Other times,the network elements have specific physical layer adapters that cannotbe abstracted or virtualized and might require special DSP code andanalog front ends (AFEs) that do not lend themselves to implementationas VNEs 330, 332 or 334. These network elements can be included intransport layer 350.

The virtualized network function cloud 325 interfaces with the transportlayer 350 to provide the VNEs 330, 332, 334, etc. to provide specificNFVs. In particular, the virtualized network function cloud 325leverages cloud operations, applications, and architectures to supportnetworking workloads. The virtualized network elements 330, 332 and 334can employ network function software that provides either a one-for-onemapping of traditional network element function or alternately somecombination of network functions designed for cloud computing. Forexample, VNEs 330, 332 and 334 can include route reflectors, domain namesystem (DNS) servers, and dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP)servers, system architecture evolution (SAE) and/or mobility managemententity (MME) gateways, broadband network gateways, IP edge routers forIP-VPN, Ethernet and other services, load balancers, distributers andother network elements. Because these elements don't typically need toforward large amounts of traffic, their workload can be distributedacross a number of servers—each of which adds a portion of thecapability, and overall which creates an elastic function with higheravailability than its former monolithic version. These virtual networkelements 330, 332, 334, etc. can be instantiated and managed using anorchestration approach similar to those used in cloud compute services.

The cloud computing environments 375 can interface with the virtualizednetwork function cloud 325 via APIs that expose functional capabilitiesof the VNEs 330, 332, 334, etc. to provide the flexible and expandedcapabilities to the virtualized network function cloud 325. Inparticular, network workloads may have applications distributed acrossthe virtualized network function cloud 325 and cloud computingenvironment 375 and in the commercial cloud or might simply orchestrateworkloads supported entirely in NFV infrastructure from thesethird-party locations.

Turning now to FIG. 4, there is illustrated a block diagram of acomputing environment in accordance with various aspects describedherein. In order to provide additional context for various embodimentsof the embodiments described herein, FIG. 4 and the following discussionare intended to provide a brief, general description of a suitablecomputing environment 400 in which the various embodiments of thesubject disclosure can be implemented. In particular, computingenvironment 400 can be used in the implementation of network elements150, 152, 154, 156, access terminal 112, base station or access point122, switching device 132, media terminal 142, and/or VNEs 330, 332,334, etc. Each of these devices can be implemented viacomputer-executable instructions that can run on one or more computers,and/or in combination with other program modules and/or as a combinationof hardware and software. For example, computing environment 400 canfacilitate in whole or in part a capture and playback system thatdetermines when a viewer is viewing primary content for a first time,collects data on a local environment responsive to determining that theviewer is viewing the primary content for the first time, determinesthat the viewer is viewing the primary content at a subsequent time, andmatches the local environment to the data while the viewer is viewingthe primary content at the subsequent time.

Generally, program modules comprise routines, programs, components, datastructures, etc., that perform particular tasks or implement particularabstract data types. Moreover, those skilled in the art will appreciatethat the methods can be practiced with other computer systemconfigurations, comprising single-processor or multiprocessor computersystems, minicomputers, mainframe computers, as well as personalcomputers, hand-held computing devices, microprocessor-based orprogrammable consumer electronics, and the like, each of which can beoperatively coupled to one or more associated devices.

As used herein, a processing circuit includes one or more processors aswell as other application specific circuits such as an applicationspecific integrated circuit, digital logic circuit, state machine,programmable gate array or other circuit that processes input signals ordata and that produces output signals or data in response thereto. Itshould be noted that while any functions and features described hereinin association with the operation of a processor could likewise beperformed by a processing circuit.

The illustrated embodiments of the embodiments herein can be alsopracticed in distributed computing environments where certain tasks areperformed by remote processing devices that are linked through acommunications network. In a distributed computing environment, programmodules can be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.

Computing devices typically comprise a variety of media, which cancomprise computer-readable storage media and/or communications media,which two terms are used herein differently from one another as follows.Computer-readable storage media can be any available storage media thatcan be accessed by the computer and comprises both volatile andnonvolatile media, removable and non-removable media. By way of example,and not limitation, computer-readable storage media can be implementedin connection with any method or technology for storage of informationsuch as computer-readable instructions, program modules, structured dataor unstructured data.

Computer-readable storage media can comprise, but are not limited to,random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), electricallyerasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or othermemory technology, compact disk read only memory (CD-ROM), digitalversatile disk (DVD) or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassettes,magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devicesor other tangible and/or non-transitory media which can be used to storedesired information. In this regard, the terms “tangible” or“non-transitory” herein as applied to storage, memory orcomputer-readable media, are to be understood to exclude onlypropagating transitory signals per se as modifiers and do not relinquishrights to all standard storage, memory or computer-readable media thatare not only propagating transitory signals per se.

Computer-readable storage media can be accessed by one or more local orremote computing devices, e.g., via access requests, queries or otherdata retrieval protocols, for a variety of operations with respect tothe information stored by the medium.

Communications media typically embody computer-readable instructions,data structures, program modules or other structured or unstructureddata in a data signal such as a modulated data signal, e.g., a carrierwave or other transport mechanism, and comprises any informationdelivery or transport media. The term “modulated data signal” or signalsrefers to a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set orchanged in such a manner as to encode information in one or moresignals. By way of example, and not limitation, communication mediacomprise wired media, such as a wired network or direct-wiredconnection, and wireless media such as acoustic, RF, infrared and otherwireless media.

With reference again to FIG. 4, the example environment can comprise acomputer 402, the computer 402 comprising a processing unit 404, asystem memory 406 and a system bus 408. The system bus 408 couplessystem components including, but not limited to, the system memory 406to the processing unit 404. The processing unit 404 can be any ofvarious commercially available processors. Dual microprocessors andother multiprocessor architectures can also be employed as theprocessing unit 404.

The system bus 408 can be any of several types of bus structure that canfurther interconnect to a memory bus (with or without a memorycontroller), a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety ofcommercially available bus architectures. The system memory 406comprises ROM 410 and RAM 412. A basic input/output system (BIOS) can bestored in a non-volatile memory such as ROM, erasable programmable readonly memory (EPROM), EEPROM, which BIOS contains the basic routines thathelp to transfer information between elements within the computer 402,such as during startup. The RAM 412 can also comprise a high-speed RAMsuch as static RAM for caching data.

The computer 402 further comprises an internal hard disk drive (HDD) 414(e.g., EIDE, SATA), which internal HDD 414 can also be configured forexternal use in a suitable chassis (not shown), a magnetic floppy diskdrive (FDD) 416, (e.g., to read from or write to a removable diskette418) and an optical disk drive 420, (e.g., reading a CD-ROM disk 422 or,to read from or write to other high capacity optical media such as theDVD). The HDD 414, magnetic FDD 416 and optical disk drive 420 can beconnected to the system bus 408 by a hard disk drive interface 424, amagnetic disk drive interface 426 and an optical drive interface 428,respectively. The hard disk drive interface 424 for external driveimplementations comprises at least one or both of Universal Serial Bus(USB) and Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 1394interface technologies. Other external drive connection technologies arewithin contemplation of the embodiments described herein.

The drives and their associated computer-readable storage media providenonvolatile storage of data, data structures, computer-executableinstructions, and so forth. For the computer 402, the drives and storagemedia accommodate the storage of any data in a suitable digital format.Although the description of computer-readable storage media above refersto a hard disk drive (HDD), a removable magnetic diskette, and aremovable optical media such as a CD or DVD, it should be appreciated bythose skilled in the art that other types of storage media which arereadable by a computer, such as zip drives, magnetic cassettes, flashmemory cards, cartridges, and the like, can also be used in the exampleoperating environment, and further, that any such storage media cancontain computer-executable instructions for performing the methodsdescribed herein.

A number of program modules can be stored in the drives and RAM 412,comprising an operating system 430, one or more application programs432, other program modules 434 and program data 436. All or portions ofthe operating system, applications, modules, and/or data can also becached in the RAM 412. The systems and methods described herein can beimplemented utilizing various commercially available operating systemsor combinations of operating systems.

A user can enter commands and information into the computer 402 throughone or more wired/wireless input devices, e.g., a keyboard 438 and apointing device, such as a mouse 440. Other input devices (not shown)can comprise a microphone, an infrared (IR) remote control, a joystick,a game pad, a stylus pen, touch screen or the like. These and otherinput devices are often connected to the processing unit 404 through aninput device interface 442 that can be coupled to the system bus 408,but can be connected by other interfaces, such as a parallel port, anIEEE 1394 serial port, a game port, a universal serial bus (USB) port,an IR interface, etc.

A monitor 444 or other type of display device can be also connected tothe system bus 408 via an interface, such as a video adapter 446. Itwill also be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, a monitor 444can also be any display device (e.g., another computer having a display,a smart phone, a tablet computer, etc.) for receiving displayinformation associated with computer 402 via any communication means,including via the Internet and cloud-based networks. In addition to themonitor 444, a computer typically comprises other peripheral outputdevices (not shown), such as speakers, printers, etc.

The computer 402 can operate in a networked environment using logicalconnections via wired and/or wireless communications to one or moreremote computers, such as a remote computer(s) 448. The remotecomputer(s) 448 can be a workstation, a server computer, a router, apersonal computer, portable computer, microprocessor-based entertainmentappliance, a peer device or other common network node, and typicallycomprises many or all of the elements described relative to the computer402, although, for purposes of brevity, only a remote memory/storagedevice 450 is illustrated. The logical connections depicted comprisewired/wireless connectivity to a local area network (LAN) 452 and/orlarger networks, e.g., a wide area network (WAN) 454. Such LAN and WANnetworking environments are commonplace in offices and companies, andfacilitate enterprise-wide computer networks, such as intranets, all ofwhich can connect to a global communications network, e.g., theInternet.

When used in a LAN networking environment, the computer 402 can beconnected to the LAN 452 through a wired and/or wireless communicationnetwork interface or adapter 456. The adapter 456 can facilitate wiredor wireless communication to the LAN 452, which can also comprise awireless AP disposed thereon for communicating with the adapter 456.

When used in a WAN networking environment, the computer 402 can comprisea modem 458 or can be connected to a communications server on the WAN454 or has other means for establishing communications over the WAN 454,such as by way of the Internet. The modem 458, which can be internal orexternal and a wired or wireless device, can be connected to the systembus 408 via the input device interface 442. In a networked environment,program modules depicted relative to the computer 402 or portionsthereof, can be stored in the remote memory/storage device 450. It willbe appreciated that the network connections shown are example and othermeans of establishing a communications link between the computers can beused.

The computer 402 can be operable to communicate with any wirelessdevices or entities operatively disposed in wireless communication,e.g., a printer, scanner, desktop and/or portable computer, portabledata assistant, communications satellite, any piece of equipment orlocation associated with a wirelessly detectable tag (e.g., a kiosk,news stand, restroom), and telephone. This can comprise WirelessFidelity (Wi-Fi) and BLUETOOTH® wireless technologies. Thus, thecommunication can be a predefined structure as with a conventionalnetwork or simply an ad hoc communication between at least two devices.

Wi-Fi can allow connection to the Internet from a couch at home, a bedin a hotel room or a conference room at work, without wires. Wi-Fi is awireless technology similar to that used in a cell phone that enablessuch devices, e.g., computers, to send and receive data indoors and out;anywhere within the range of a base station. Wi-Fi networks use radiotechnologies called IEEE 802.11 (a, b, g, n, ac, ag, etc.) to providesecure, reliable, fast wireless connectivity. A Wi-Fi network can beused to connect computers to each other, to the Internet, and to wirednetworks (which can use IEEE 802.3 or Ethernet). Wi-Fi networks operatein the unlicensed 2.4 and 5 GHz radio bands for example or with productsthat contain both bands (dual band), so the networks can providereal-world performance similar to the basic 10BaseT wired Ethernetnetworks used in many offices.

Turning now to FIG. 5, an embodiment 500 of a mobile network platform510 is shown that is an example of network elements 150, 152, 154, 156,and/or VNEs 330, 332, 334, etc. For example, platform 510 can facilitatein whole or in part a capture and playback system that determines when aviewer is viewing primary content for a first time, collects data on alocal environment responsive to determining that the viewer is viewingthe primary content for the first time, determines that the viewer isviewing the primary content at a subsequent time, and matches the localenvironment to the data while the viewer is viewing the primary contentat the subsequent time. In one or more embodiments, the mobile networkplatform 510 can generate and receive signals transmitted and receivedby base stations or access points such as base station or access point122. Generally, mobile network platform 510 can comprise components,e.g., nodes, gateways, interfaces, servers, or disparate platforms, thatfacilitate both packet-switched (PS) (e.g., internet protocol (IP),frame relay, asynchronous transfer mode (ATM)) and circuit-switched (CS)traffic (e.g., voice and data), as well as control generation fornetworked wireless telecommunication. As a non-limiting example, mobilenetwork platform 510 can be included in telecommunications carriernetworks and can be considered carrier-side components as discussedelsewhere herein. Mobile network platform 510 comprises CS gatewaynode(s) 512 which can interface CS traffic received from legacy networkslike telephony network(s) 540 (e.g., public switched telephone network(PSTN), or public land mobile network (PLMN)) or a signaling system #7(SS7) network 560. CS gateway node(s) 512 can authorize and authenticatetraffic (e.g., voice) arising from such networks. Additionally, CSgateway node(s) 512 can access mobility, or roaming, data generatedthrough SS7 network 560; for instance, mobility data stored in a visitedlocation register (VLR), which can reside in memory 530. Moreover, CSgateway node(s) 512 interfaces CS-based traffic and signaling and PSgateway node(s) 518. As an example, in a 3GPP UMTS network, CS gatewaynode(s) 512 can be realized at least in part in gateway GPRS supportnode(s) (GGSN). It should be appreciated that functionality and specificoperation of CS gateway node(s) 512, PS gateway node(s) 518, and servingnode(s) 516, is provided and dictated by radio technology(ies) utilizedby mobile network platform 510 for telecommunication over a radio accessnetwork 520 with other devices, such as a radiotelephone 575.

In addition to receiving and processing CS-switched traffic andsignaling, PS gateway node(s) 518 can authorize and authenticatePS-based data sessions with served mobile devices. Data sessions cancomprise traffic, or content(s), exchanged with networks external to themobile network platform 510, like wide area network(s) (WANs) 550,enterprise network(s) 570, and service network(s) 580, which can beembodied in local area network(s) (LANs), can also be interfaced withmobile network platform 510 through PS gateway node(s) 518. It is to benoted that WANs 550 and enterprise network(s) 570 can embody, at leastin part, a service network(s) like IP multimedia subsystem (IMS). Basedon radio technology layer(s) available in technology resource(s) orradio access network 520, PS gateway node(s) 518 can generate packetdata protocol contexts when a data session is established; other datastructures that facilitate routing of packetized data also can begenerated. To that end, in an aspect, PS gateway node(s) 518 cancomprise a tunnel interface (e.g., tunnel termination gateway (TTG) in3GPP UMTS network(s) (not shown)) which can facilitate packetizedcommunication with disparate wireless network(s), such as Wi-Finetworks.

In embodiment 500, mobile network platform 510 also comprises servingnode(s) 516 that, based upon available radio technology layer(s) withintechnology resource(s) in the radio access network 520, convey thevarious packetized flows of data streams received through PS gatewaynode(s) 518. It is to be noted that for technology resource(s) that relyprimarily on CS communication, server node(s) can deliver trafficwithout reliance on PS gateway node(s) 518; for example, server node(s)can embody at least in part a mobile switching center. As an example, ina 3GPP UMTS network, serving node(s) 516 can be embodied in serving GPRSsupport node(s) (SGSN).

For radio technologies that exploit packetized communication, server(s)514 in mobile network platform 510 can execute numerous applicationsthat can generate multiple disparate packetized data streams or flows,and manage (e.g., schedule, queue, format . . . ) such flows. Suchapplication(s) can comprise add-on features to standard services (forexample, provisioning, billing, customer support . . . ) provided bymobile network platform 510. Data streams (e.g., content(s) that arepart of a voice call or data session) can be conveyed to PS gatewaynode(s) 518 for authorization/authentication and initiation of a datasession, and to serving node(s) 516 for communication thereafter. Inaddition to application server, server(s) 514 can comprise utilityserver(s), a utility server can comprise a provisioning server, anoperations and maintenance server, a security server that can implementat least in part a certificate authority and firewalls as well as othersecurity mechanisms, and the like. In an aspect, security server(s)secure communication served through mobile network platform 510 toensure network's operation and data integrity in addition toauthorization and authentication procedures that CS gateway node(s) 512and PS gateway node(s) 518 can enact. Moreover, provisioning server(s)can provision services from external network(s) like networks operatedby a disparate service provider; for instance, WAN 550 or GlobalPositioning System (GPS) network(s) (not shown). Provisioning server(s)can also provision coverage through networks associated to mobilenetwork platform 510 (e.g., deployed and operated by the same serviceprovider), such as the distributed antennas networks shown in FIG. 1that enhance wireless service coverage by providing more networkcoverage.

It is to be noted that server(s) 514 can comprise one or more processorsconfigured to confer at least in part the functionality of mobilenetwork platform 510. To that end, the one or more processor can executecode instructions stored in memory 530, for example. It should beappreciated that server(s) 514 can comprise a content manager, whichoperates in substantially the same manner as described hereinbefore.

In example embodiment 500, memory 530 can store information related tooperation of mobile network platform 510. Other operational informationcan comprise provisioning information of mobile devices served throughmobile network platform 510, subscriber databases; applicationintelligence, pricing schemes, e.g., promotional rates, flat-rateprograms, couponing campaigns; technical specification(s) consistentwith telecommunication protocols for operation of disparate radio, orwireless, technology layers; and so forth. Memory 530 can also storeinformation from at least one of telephony network(s) 540, WAN 550, SS7network 560, or enterprise network(s) 570. In an aspect, memory 530 canbe, for example, accessed as part of a data store component or as aremotely connected memory store.

In order to provide a context for the various aspects of the disclosedsubject matter, FIG. 5, and the following discussion, are intended toprovide a brief, general description of a suitable environment in whichthe various aspects of the disclosed subject matter can be implemented.While the subject matter has been described above in the general contextof computer-executable instructions of a computer program that runs on acomputer and/or computers, those skilled in the art will recognize thatthe disclosed subject matter also can be implemented in combination withother program modules. Generally, program modules comprise routines,programs, components, data structures, etc. that perform particulartasks and/or implement particular abstract data types.

Turning now to FIG. 6, an illustrative embodiment of a communicationdevice 600 is shown. The communication device 600 can serve as anillustrative embodiment of devices such as data terminals 114, mobiledevices 124, vehicle 126, display devices 144 or other client devicesfor communication via either communications network 125. For example,computing device 600 can facilitate in whole or in part a capture andplayback system that determines when a viewer is viewing primary contentfor a first time, collects data on a local environment responsive todetermining that the viewer is viewing the primary content for the firsttime, determines that the viewer is viewing the primary content at asubsequent time, and matches the local environment to the data while theviewer is viewing the primary content at the subsequent time.

The communication device 600 can comprise a wireline and/or wirelesstransceiver 602 (herein transceiver 602), a user interface (UI) 604, apower supply 614, a location receiver 616, a motion sensor 618, anorientation sensor 620, and a controller 606 for managing operationsthereof. The transceiver 602 can support short-range or long-rangewireless access technologies such as Bluetooth®, ZigBee®, Wi-Fi, DECT,or cellular communication technologies, just to mention a few(Bluetooth® and ZigBee® are trademarks registered by the Bluetooth®Special Interest Group and the ZigBee® Alliance, respectively). Cellulartechnologies can include, for example, CDMA-1X, UMTS/HSDPA, GSM/GPRS,TDMA/EDGE, EV/DO, WiMAX, SDR, LTE, as well as other next generationwireless communication technologies as they arise. The transceiver 602can also be adapted to support circuit-switched wireline accesstechnologies (such as PSTN), packet-switched wireline accesstechnologies (such as TCP/IP, VoIP, etc.), and combinations thereof.

The UI 604 can include a depressible or touch-sensitive keypad 608 witha navigation mechanism such as a roller ball, a joystick, a mouse, or anavigation disk for manipulating operations of the communication device600. The keypad 608 can be an integral part of a housing assembly of thecommunication device 600 or an independent device operably coupledthereto by a tethered wireline interface (such as a USB cable) or awireless interface supporting for example Bluetooth®. The keypad 608 canrepresent a numeric keypad commonly used by phones, and/or a QWERTYkeypad with alphanumeric keys. The UI 604 can further include a display610 such as monochrome or color LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), OLED(Organic Light Emitting Diode) or other suitable display technology forconveying images to an end user of the communication device 600. In anembodiment where the display 610 is touch-sensitive, a portion or all ofthe keypad 608 can be presented by way of the display 610 withnavigation features.

The display 610 can use touch screen technology to also serve as a userinterface for detecting user input. As a touch screen display, thecommunication device 600 can be adapted to present a user interfacehaving graphical user interface (GUI) elements that can be selected by auser with a touch of a finger. The display 610 can be equipped withcapacitive, resistive or other forms of sensing technology to detect howmuch surface area of a user's finger has been placed on a portion of thetouch screen display. This sensing information can be used to controlthe manipulation of the GUI elements or other functions of the userinterface. The display 610 can be an integral part of the housingassembly of the communication device 600 or an independent devicecommunicatively coupled thereto by a tethered wireline interface (suchas a cable) or a wireless interface.

The UI 604 can also include an audio system 612 that utilizes audiotechnology for conveying low volume audio (such as audio heard inproximity of a human ear) and high-volume audio (such as speakerphonefor hands free operation). The audio system 612 can further include amicrophone for receiving audible signals of an end user. The audiosystem 612 can also be used for voice recognition applications. The UI604 can further include an image sensor 613 such as a charged coupleddevice (CCD) camera for capturing still or moving images.

The power supply 614 can utilize common power management technologiessuch as replaceable and rechargeable batteries, supply regulationtechnologies, and/or charging system technologies for supplying energyto the components of the communication device 600 to facilitatelong-range or short-range portable communications. Alternatively, or incombination, the charging system can utilize external power sources suchas DC power supplied over a physical interface such as a USB port orother suitable tethering technologies.

The location receiver 616 can utilize location technology such as aglobal positioning system (GPS) receiver capable of assisted GPS foridentifying a location of the communication device 600 based on signalsgenerated by a constellation of GPS satellites, which can be used forfacilitating location services such as navigation. The motion sensor 618can utilize motion sensing technology such as an accelerometer, agyroscope, or other suitable motion sensing technology to detect motionof the communication device 600 in three-dimensional space. Theorientation sensor 620 can utilize orientation sensing technology suchas a magnetometer to detect the orientation of the communication device600 (north, south, west, and east, as well as combined orientations indegrees, minutes, or other suitable orientation metrics).

The communication device 600 can use the transceiver 602 to alsodetermine a proximity to a cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth®, or otherwireless access points by sensing techniques such as utilizing areceived signal strength indicator (RSSI) and/or signal time of arrival(TOA) or time of flight (TOF) measurements. The controller 606 canutilize computing technologies such as a microprocessor, a digitalsignal processor (DSP), programmable gate arrays, application specificintegrated circuits, and/or a video processor with associated storagememory such as Flash, ROM, RAM, SRAM, DRAM or other storage technologiesfor executing computer instructions, controlling, and processing datasupplied by the aforementioned components of the communication device600.

Other components not shown in FIG. 6 can be used in one or moreembodiments of the subject disclosure. For instance, the communicationdevice 600 can include a slot for adding or removing an identity modulesuch as a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card or Universal IntegratedCircuit Card (UICC). SIM or UICC cards can be used for identifyingsubscriber services, executing programs, storing subscriber data, and soon.

The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” and so forth, as used in theclaims, unless otherwise clear by context, is for clarity only anddoesn't otherwise indicate or imply any order in time. For instance, “afirst determination,” “a second determination,” and “a thirddetermination,” does not indicate or imply that the first determinationis to be made before the second determination, or vice versa, etc.

In the subject specification, terms such as “store,” “storage,” “datastore,” data storage,” “database,” and substantially any otherinformation storage component relevant to operation and functionality ofa component, refer to “memory components,” or entities embodied in a“memory” or components comprising the memory. It will be appreciatedthat the memory components described herein can be either volatilememory or nonvolatile memory, or can comprise both volatile andnonvolatile memory, by way of illustration, and not limitation, volatilememory, non-volatile memory, disk storage, and memory storage. Further,nonvolatile memory can be included in read only memory (ROM),programmable ROM (PROM), electrically programmable ROM (EPROM),electrically erasable ROM (EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory cancomprise random access memory (RAM), which acts as external cachememory. By way of illustration and not limitation, RAM is available inmany forms such as synchronous RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM),synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhancedSDRAM (ESDRAM), Synchlink DRAM (SLDRAM), and direct Rambus RAM (DRRAM).Additionally, the disclosed memory components of systems or methodsherein are intended to comprise, without being limited to comprising,these and any other suitable types of memory.

Moreover, it will be noted that the disclosed subject matter can bepracticed with other computer system configurations, comprisingsingle-processor or multiprocessor computer systems, mini-computingdevices, mainframe computers, as well as personal computers, hand-heldcomputing devices (e.g., PDA, phone, smartphone, watch, tabletcomputers, netbook computers, etc.), microprocessor-based orprogrammable consumer or industrial electronics, and the like. Theillustrated aspects can also be practiced in distributed computingenvironments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices thatare linked through a communications network; however, some if not allaspects of the subject disclosure can be practiced on stand-alonecomputers. In a distributed computing environment, program modules canbe located in both local and remote memory storage devices.

In one or more embodiments, information regarding use of services can begenerated including services being accessed, media consumption history,user preferences, and so forth. This information can be obtained byvarious methods including user input, detecting types of communications(e.g., video content vs. audio content), analysis of content streams,sampling, and so forth. The generating, obtaining and/or monitoring ofthis information can be responsive to an authorization provided by theuser. In one or more embodiments, an analysis of data can be subject toauthorization from user(s) associated with the data, such as an opt-in,an opt-out, acknowledgement requirements, notifications, selectiveauthorization based on types of data, and so forth.

Some of the embodiments described herein can also employ artificialintelligence (AI) to facilitate automating one or more featuresdescribed herein. The embodiments (e.g., in connection withautomatically identifying acquired cell sites that provide a maximumvalue/benefit after addition to an existing communication network) canemploy various AI-based schemes for carrying out various embodimentsthereof. Moreover, the classifier can be employed to determine a rankingor priority of each cell site of the acquired network. A classifier is afunction that maps an input attribute vector, x=(x₁, x₂, x₃ . . .x_(n)), to a confidence that the input belongs to a class, that is,f(x)=confidence (class). Such classification can employ a probabilisticand/or statistical-based analysis (e.g., factoring into the analysisutilities and costs) to determine or infer an action that a user desiresto be automatically performed. A support vector machine (SVM) is anexample of a classifier that can be employed. The SVM operates byfinding a hypersurface in the space of possible inputs, which thehypersurface attempts to split the triggering criteria from thenon-triggering events. Intuitively, this makes the classificationcorrect for testing data that is near, but not identical to trainingdata. Other directed and undirected model classification approachescomprise, e.g., naïve Bayes, Bayesian networks, decision trees, neuralnetworks, fuzzy logic models, and probabilistic classification modelsproviding different patterns of independence can be employed.Classification as used herein also is inclusive of statisticalregression that is utilized to develop models of priority.

As will be readily appreciated, one or more of the embodiments canemploy classifiers that are explicitly trained (e.g., via a generictraining data) as well as implicitly trained (e.g., via observing UEbehavior, operator preferences, historical information, receivingextrinsic information). For example, SVMs can be configured via alearning or training phase within a classifier constructor and featureselection module. Thus, the classifier(s) can be used to automaticallylearn and perform a number of functions, including but not limited todetermining according to predetermined criteria which of the acquiredcell sites will benefit a maximum number of subscribers and/or which ofthe acquired cell sites will add minimum value to the existingcommunication network coverage, etc.

As used in some contexts in this application, in some embodiments, theterms “component,” “system” and the like are intended to refer to, orcomprise, a computer-related entity or an entity related to anoperational apparatus with one or more specific functionalities, whereinthe entity can be either hardware, a combination of hardware andsoftware, software, or software in execution. As an example, a componentmay be, but is not limited to being, a process running on a processor, aprocessor, an object, an executable, a thread of execution,computer-executable instructions, a program, and/or a computer. By wayof illustration and not limitation, both an application running on aserver and the server can be a component. One or more components mayreside within a process and/or thread of execution and a component maybe localized on one computer and/or distributed between two or morecomputers. In addition, these components can execute from variouscomputer readable media having various data structures stored thereon.The components may communicate via local and/or remote processes such asin accordance with a signal having one or more data packets (e.g., datafrom one component interacting with another component in a local system,distributed system, and/or across a network such as the Internet withother systems via the signal). As another example, a component can be anapparatus with specific functionality provided by mechanical partsoperated by electric or electronic circuitry, which is operated by asoftware or firmware application executed by a processor, wherein theprocessor can be internal or external to the apparatus and executes atleast a part of the software or firmware application. As yet anotherexample, a component can be an apparatus that provides specificfunctionality through electronic components without mechanical parts,the electronic components can comprise a processor therein to executesoftware or firmware that confers at least in part the functionality ofthe electronic components. While various components have beenillustrated as separate components, it will be appreciated that multiplecomponents can be implemented as a single component, or a singlecomponent can be implemented as multiple components, without departingfrom example embodiments.

Further, the various embodiments can be implemented as a method,apparatus or article of manufacture using standard programming and/orengineering techniques to produce software, firmware, hardware or anycombination thereof to control a computer to implement the disclosedsubject matter. The term “article of manufacture” as used herein isintended to encompass a computer program accessible from anycomputer-readable device or computer-readable storage/communicationsmedia. For example, computer readable storage media can include, but arenot limited to, magnetic storage devices (e.g., hard disk, floppy disk,magnetic strips), optical disks (e.g., compact disk (CD), digitalversatile disk (DVD)), smart cards, and flash memory devices (e.g.,card, stick, key drive). Of course, those skilled in the art willrecognize many modifications can be made to this configuration withoutdeparting from the scope or spirit of the various embodiments.

In addition, the words “example” and “exemplary” are used herein to meanserving as an instance or illustration. Any embodiment or designdescribed herein as “example” or “exemplary” is not necessarily to beconstrued as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments ordesigns. Rather, use of the word example or exemplary is intended topresent concepts in a concrete fashion. As used in this application, theterm “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive“or”. That is, unless specified otherwise or clear from context, “Xemploys A or B” is intended to mean any of the natural inclusivepermutations. That is, if X employs A; X employs B; or X employs both Aand B, then “X employs A or B” is satisfied under any of the foregoinginstances. In addition, the articles “a” and “an” as used in thisapplication and the appended claims should generally be construed tomean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear from context tobe directed to a singular form.

Moreover, terms such as “user equipment,” “mobile station,” “mobile,”subscriber station,” “access terminal,” “terminal,” “handset,” “mobiledevice” (and/or terms representing similar terminology) can refer to awireless device utilized by a subscriber or user of a wirelesscommunication service to receive or convey data, control, voice, video,sound, gaming or substantially any data-stream or signaling-stream. Theforegoing terms are utilized interchangeably herein and with referenceto the related drawings.

Furthermore, the terms “user,” “subscriber,” “customer,” “consumer” andthe like are employed interchangeably throughout, unless contextwarrants particular distinctions among the terms. It should beappreciated that such terms can refer to human entities or automatedcomponents supported through artificial intelligence (e.g., a capacityto make inference based, at least, on complex mathematical formalisms),which can provide simulated vision, sound recognition and so forth.

As employed herein, the term “processor” can refer to substantially anycomputing processing unit or device comprising, but not limited tocomprising, single-core processors; single-processors with softwaremultithread execution capability; multi-core processors; multi-coreprocessors with software multithread execution capability; multi-coreprocessors with hardware multithread technology; parallel platforms; andparallel platforms with distributed shared memory. Additionally, aprocessor can refer to an integrated circuit, an application specificintegrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), a fieldprogrammable gate array (FPGA), a programmable logic controller (PLC), acomplex programmable logic device (CPLD), a discrete gate or transistorlogic, discrete hardware components or any combination thereof designedto perform the functions described herein. Processors can exploitnano-scale architectures such as, but not limited to, molecular andquantum-dot based transistors, switches and gates, in order to optimizespace usage or enhance performance of user equipment. A processor canalso be implemented as a combination of computing processing units.

As used herein, terms such as “data storage,” data storage,” “database,”and substantially any other information storage component relevant tooperation and functionality of a component, refer to “memorycomponents,” or entities embodied in a “memory” or components comprisingthe memory. It will be appreciated that the memory components orcomputer-readable storage media, described herein can be either volatilememory or nonvolatile memory or can include both volatile andnonvolatile memory.

What has been described above includes mere examples of variousembodiments. It is, of course, not possible to describe everyconceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes ofdescribing these examples, but one of ordinary skill in the art canrecognize that many further combinations and permutations of the presentembodiments are possible. Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed and/orclaimed herein are intended to embrace all such alterations,modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope ofthe appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes”is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term isintended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as“comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in aclaim.

In addition, a flow diagram may include a “start” and/or “continue”indication. The “start” and “continue” indications reflect that thesteps presented can optionally be incorporated in or otherwise used inconjunction with other routines. In this context, “start” indicates thebeginning of the first step presented and may be preceded by otheractivities not specifically shown. Further, the “continue” indicationreflects that the steps presented may be performed multiple times and/ormay be succeeded by other activities not specifically shown. Further,while a flow diagram indicates a particular ordering of steps, otherorderings are likewise possible provided that the principles ofcausality are maintained.

As may also be used herein, the term(s) “operably coupled to”, “coupledto”, and/or “coupling” includes direct coupling between items and/orindirect coupling between items via one or more intervening items. Suchitems and intervening items include, but are not limited to, junctions,communication paths, components, circuit elements, circuits, functionalblocks, and/or devices. As an example of indirect coupling, a signalconveyed from a first item to a second item may be modified by one ormore intervening items by modifying the form, nature or format ofinformation in a signal, while one or more elements of the informationin the signal are nevertheless conveyed in a manner than can berecognized by the second item. In a further example of indirectcoupling, an action in a first item can cause a reaction on the seconditem, as a result of actions and/or reactions in one or more interveningitems.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and describedherein, it should be appreciated that any arrangement which achieves thesame or similar purpose may be substituted for the embodiments describedor shown by the subject disclosure. The subject disclosure is intendedto cover any and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments.Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments notspecifically described herein, can be used in the subject disclosure.For instance, one or more features from one or more embodiments can becombined with one or more features of one or more other embodiments. Inone or more embodiments, features that are positively recited can alsobe negatively recited and excluded from the embodiment with or withoutreplacement by another structural and/or functional feature. The stepsor functions described with respect to the embodiments of the subjectdisclosure can be performed in any order. The steps or functionsdescribed with respect to the embodiments of the subject disclosure canbe performed alone or in combination with other steps or functions ofthe subject disclosure, as well as from other embodiments or from othersteps that have not been described in the subject disclosure. Further,more than or less than all of the features described with respect to anembodiment can also be utilized.

What is claimed is:
 1. A device, comprising: a processing systemincluding a processor; and a memory that stores executable instructionsthat, when executed by the processing system, facilitate performance ofoperations in an automated process for a viewer of content, the processnot actively invoked by the viewer, the operations comprising:determining that a viewer is viewing primary content for a first time;recording environmental data indicating a first environmental conditionof a physical environment at the first time and at a first locationwhere the viewer is viewing the primary content; determining that theviewer is viewing the primary content at a subsequent time, wherein thesubsequent time is later than the first time; identifying local contentassociated with the primary content, the local content comprising acontent item other than the primary content that was recorded atequipment of the viewer within a predetermined time range relative tothe first time and stored in an archive, resulting in archived content;retrieving the archived content; retrieving the environmental data;using the environmental data to simulate the first environmentalcondition while the viewer is viewing the primary content at thesubsequent time; and displaying the archived content while the viewer isviewing the primary content at the subsequent time.
 2. The device ofclaim 1, wherein the operations further comprise: capturing an emotiveresponse of the viewer while the primary content is viewed for the firsttime; detecting the emotive response of the viewer as the primarycontent is viewed at the subsequent time; and creating a triggerresponsive to the detecting the emotive response.
 3. The device of claim2, wherein the operations further comprise: retrieving external mediaresponsive to the trigger; and displaying the external media.
 4. Thedevice of claim 3, wherein the external media is an advertisement. 5.The device of claim 1, wherein the archived content is displayed in animmersive alternate reality experience.
 6. The device of claim 5,wherein the immersive alternate reality experience is a virtual realitypresentation.
 7. The device of claim 5, wherein the immersive alternatereality experience is an augmented reality presentation.
 8. The deviceof claim 1, wherein the local content further comprises interactions ofthe viewer with social media within the predetermined time range.
 9. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein the using the environmental data to simulatethe first environmental condition comprises adjusting a temperatureusing a thermostat.
 10. The device of claim 1, wherein the using theenvironmental data to simulate the first environmental conditioncomprises adjusting ambient lighting and/or background sound level. 11.The device of claim 1, wherein the processing system comprises aplurality of processors operating in a distributed computingenvironment.
 12. A non-transitory machine-readable medium, comprisingexecutable instructions that, when executed by a processing systemincluding a processor, facilitate performance of operations in anautomated process for a viewer of content, the process not activelyinvoked by the viewer, the operations comprising: determining that aviewer is viewing primary content for a first time; collectingenvironmental data regarding a first environmental condition of aphysical environment at the first time and at a first location where theviewer is viewing the primary content; determining that the viewer isviewing the primary content at a subsequent time, wherein the subsequenttime is later than the first time; identifying local content associatedwith the primary content, the local content comprising a content itemother than the primary content that was recorded at equipment of theviewer within a predetermined time range relative to the first time andstored in an archive, resulting in archived content; retrieving theenvironmental data; retrieving the archived content; using theenvironmental data to simulate the first environmental condition whilethe viewer is viewing the primary content at the subsequent time; anddisplaying the archived content while the viewer is viewing the primarycontent at the subsequent time.
 13. The non-transitory machine-readablemedium of claim 12, wherein the operations further comprise: capturingan emotive response of the viewer as the primary content is viewedduring the first time; detecting the emotive response of the viewer asthe primary content is viewed during the subsequent time; and creating atrigger responsive to detecting the emotive response.
 14. Thenon-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 13, wherein theoperations further comprise: retrieving external media responsive to thetrigger; and displaying the external media.
 15. The non-transitorymachine-readable medium of claim 14, wherein the external media is anadvertisement, and wherein the processing system comprises a pluralityof processors operating in a distributed computing environment.
 16. Thenon-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 12, wherein the localcontent further comprises interactions of the viewer with social mediawithin the predetermined time range.
 17. The non-transitorymachine-readable medium of claim 12, wherein the archived content isdisplayed in an immersive alternate reality experience.
 18. Thenon-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 17, wherein theimmersive alternate reality experience is a virtual realitypresentation.
 19. The non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim17, wherein the immersive alternate reality experience is an augmentedreality presentation.
 20. A method, comprising an automated process fora viewer of content, the process not actively invoked by the viewer andcomprising: determining, by a processing system including a processor,that a viewer is viewing primary content for a first time; recording, bythe processing system, environmental data indicating a firstenvironmental condition of a physical environment at the first time andat a first location where the viewer is viewing the primary content;capturing, by the processing system, an emotive response of the viewerwhile the primary content is viewed for the first time; determining, bythe processing system, that the viewer is viewing the primary content ata subsequent time, wherein the subsequent time is later than the firsttime; identifying, by the processing system, local content associatedwith the primary content, the local content comprising a content itemother than the primary content recorded at equipment of the viewerwithin a predetermined time range relative to the first time and storedin an archive, resulting in archived content; retrieving, by theprocessing system, the environmental data; retrieving, by the processingsystem, the archived content; using, by the processing system, theenvironmental data to simulate the first environmental condition whilethe viewer is viewing the primary content at the subsequent time;detecting, by the processing system, the emotive response of the viewerwhile the primary content is viewed at the subsequent time; retrieving,by the processing system, external media responsive to detecting theemotive response; and displaying, by the processing system, the archivedcontent and the external media while the primary content is viewed atthe subsequent time.